I believe in intuitions and inspirations…I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am. – Albert Einstein When is science a “secret”? The idea of “esoteric” knowledge (vs observable knowledge) started from a more limited understanding of the physics of the Universe. When our instruments and knowledge is/ was limited, […]

I believe in intuitions and inspirations…I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am. – Albert Einstein

When is science a “secret”?

The idea of “esoteric” knowledge (vs observable knowledge) started from a more limited understanding of the physics of the Universe.

When our instruments and knowledge is/ was limited, we had to draw conclusions from a limited data set.

Even making fire from twigs may have seemed like magic before we understood the physics behind energy and heat. We could only explain in scientific equations, in a formula, the heat and energy transformation as recently as the early 1900’s.

Using the concept of “secret” can go wrong in so many ways:

It automatically places it in the reach of a select few. Distancing an achievement automatically makes it seem harder to achieve. This is bad programming for our minds.

Is it secret because it’s some esoteric knowledge

is it secret because ‘the secret’ is a pop culture meme and we are creating the concept as it grows organically.

is it secret because nobody has unlocked the reasons why?

Science, until a few years ago, when we began understanding our own historical limitations in knowledge, had infinitely more perceived value. Science is so prized, in fact , that it has known no criticism in the recent past. Until we discover that, as the body of knowledge known as “Science” has expanded exponentially in the last decade, a lot of what we could prove was true was quite limited.

Science. Secret. The debate of the wording will continue, but “knowing” what? What is the essence of knowing, except something that filters through our brains quicker that conscious thought.

The “knowing” ability itself which is the prized gem. It brings prizes, fame and fortune into the lives of those blessed with this “knowing” ability. They win the lottery, they win cars, houses, spouses even. They sail through life in ways that some of us cannot fathom, or certainly don’t understand. We analyse the circumstances of the lives of the fortunate and famous, but silently submit to the fact that such luck and life belong to others. Not us. But what does this kind of thinking create in our consciousness?

Some of that analysis is from a purely “slightly interested observer” point of view. But there are growing streams of thought that assert that:

On a very real quantum level, your observation of their fame and success just enables and magnifies their success, and reinforces their belief in their own power. In essence there is a lot YOU create in this process, which leads to point 2.

Their belief in their luck/fortune/whatever it is that produces their fortunate circumstances.

It’s a Chicken-Egg situation. Which circumstance was produced first.

From both a psychological and social bias and from a purely physics perspective, we not have the tools and knowledge to understand that the Observer effect is real.

The idea that one is successful, lucky, blessed, gifted is largely in the mind and consciousness of the individual. And as long as the opinions surrounding you say the same it, is re-inforced in a way that is created a mental picture of our reality. But this picture is “our thoughts” and everything we are learning now teaches us that our mental pictures become real as we visualise and reinforce them.

So that once esoteric idea now has understanding of how the brain tunes into its surroundings, now that we can calibrate and understand the effect that tuning in has on brainwaves, the secret of knowing has been unlocked by scientific observation.

Some of those “bad habits” of yours, like being messy, staying up late, and swearing, are actually indicators of high intelligence. If you were like me, you grew up with some basic rules to follow and keep with you all the way into adulthood. “Don’t stay up too late.” “Keep your room clean.” Don’t swear […]

Some of those “bad habits” of yours, like being messy, staying up late, and swearing, are actually indicators of high intelligence.

If you were like me, you grew up with some basic rules to follow and keep with you all the way into adulthood. “Don’t stay up too late.” “Keep your room clean.” Don’t swear so much.” (My parents actually told me not to swear at all, but some situations call for an F-bomb. Have you seen A Christmas Story?)

Well, as it turns out, all those lessons and rules that were instilled in us long ago can be tossed right out the window. Okay, not all of them, maybe just the three aforementioned ones for now.

New studies have good news for those of us who stay up late, have messy rooms, and swear. According to researchers, we exhibit higher levels of intelligence.

Psychology Today reports findings that our species, human, is the only one that can “override their internal biological clock and its rhythmic outputs.” On top of that, we do this whether we are conscious of the decision or not.

Every animal species on earth has a circadian rhythm, including humans. ( A circadian rhythm is a 24 hour cycle in which mental and behavioural changes occur based on light and darkness.) The difference is that we can choose when we go to sleep and when we wake up; we can decide to be night owls or morning people.

Psychology Today elaborates by saying, “More intelligent children grow up to be more nocturnal as adults than less intelligent children.”

“Compared to their less intelligent counterparts, more intelligent individuals go to bed later on weeknights (when they have to get up at a certain time the next day) and on weekends (when they don’t), and they wake up later on weekdays (but not on weekends, for which the positive effect of childhood intelligence on adult nocturnality is not statistically significant).”

So, if you like staying up late, it might be because you have high intelligence.

The two authors of the study, Kristin Jay and Timothy Jay, gathered participants aged 18-22 and tested their vocabulary. Their first task was to “name as many taboo words as they could within a time limit beginning with a certain letter.” They were asked to do the same thing with animals, and again with “any general word.” Sounds easy, right? It was- for the participants who excelled at listing taboo words. This study found that those who have a vaster comprehension of swear words, also have a “more expansive vocabulary and a better grasp on language.”

“The sort of twee person who thinks swearing is in any way a sign of a lack of education or a lack of verbal interest is just a fucking lunatic.”

As for the messy ones, you can thank Kathleen Vohs for her recent study which allows you to confidently leave your room in a state of emergency. Vohs, a psychological scientist at the University of Minnesota, discovered that those who prefer to have a messy room and office are more creative and imaginative than their orderly counterparts.

“Being in a messy room led to something that firms, industries, and societies want more of: Creativity,” said Vohs. “Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce fresh insights.”

The bottom line, whether you are messy, a night owl, or someone who curses like a sailor, you’re doing things in an unconventional way. And sometimes, going against the grain is a sign of intelligence.

Like Einstein once said, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, then what are we to think of an empty desk?” So, with that in mind, leave your clothes on the bed, catch up on the late-night documentary, and swear whenever necessary.

Although it may not always seem like it, your children really do listen to you. They soak up your every word, even when you do not think they are paying attention. Most of us use this knowledge in order to limit the bad things they hear. It only takes one swear word or snippet of […]

Although it may not always seem like it, your children really do listen to you. They soak up your every word, even when you do not think they are paying attention. Most of us use this knowledge in order to limit the bad things they hear. It only takes one swear word or snippet of gossip being repeated to a preschool teacher for us to learn that lesson. We will go to great lengths not to allow our words to pollute our children’s minds, and would certainly never use language that would tear them down. How often, however, are we conscious of using our words to build them up?

Here are four ways to do just that:

“It’s disappointing to get a lower grade than usual, but it was only one spelling test. Let’s have an extra study session before the next one to make sure we do better.”

Unfortunately, your child is bound to experience some sort of failure in his life. Help him to keep his mistake in perspective when he does. Habits begin to form shockingly early, and can be difficult to break – so now is the time to teach healthy ways to cope with disappointment. Validate his feelings – he knows he messed up, and pretending that he didn’t will only confuse him and make him less likely to trust your words. Keep him from beating himself up by reminding him that his setback is only temporary, and was only a singular event. His failed spelling test does not actually condemn him to a life of illiteracy. Finally, set a game plan to get him back on track. Hopefully this will become a habit, and his adult failures will be stepping stones rather than stopping points.

“I saw you help that little kid who wanted to play with you. You were so patient and kind.”

Children are tactile, concrete creatures, so many can have a hard time taking a compliment to heart when it is abstract. If you give her an example, however, she is more likely to understand and value the trait you are praising, and to repeat the same behavior later. Telling your daughter that she is smart is a wonderful thing. Noticing that she read an entire chapter book, however, can be much more effective.Research Shows that Problem Children make Better Adults

“What can you do to make it easier to remember your jacket tomorrow?

When your child makes the same mistakes over and over, it is easy to become frustrated. However, conveying this to your child by threatening a punishment or asking how they could be so forgetful will only add anxiety and shame to the problem. By asking what she can do differently and helping her to implement a solution, you are giving her a chance to solve her own problem. Instead of shaming her, you are helping her develop problem-solving skills. By re-framing the situation, you are changing her role from being the problem to being the problem-solver. Instead of feeling like a trouble-maker, she will feel clever and independent. Her first idea may not work out, but this is a good opportunity to build resilience – keep plugging away at the problem and she will feel even more accomplished when she finally conquers it.

“Jack is doing such a good job sharing with his friends lately. We’re so proud!”

All too often, we seem to think our child’s ears turn off when we are talking to another parent. Rather, what he hears you say about him to another adult can have a tremendous impact. When you compliment your child, he may resist believing it, thinking that you are just trying to make him feel good. What he hears you say to another adult, however, has a greater weight. He is more likely to take the compliment to heart and trust it to be true. Think of the way this would work in your own life. If your friend Willa told you your new haircut looked fantastic, you might be flattered – but if you overheard her saying the same to her sister, you would feel even more so.Why Every Child Should Talk Back to Their Parents

We all think our children are the greatest little people in the world, and most of us try to tell them so regularly. Use one of these methods to ensure that the compliments you give the child in your life hit her deeply and have staying power. You’ll be glad you did this when you meet the capable and secure young woman she will someday become.

Life is hard. Relationships, work, and adulthood in general, present constant challenges. We are more connected and more social than ever before, yet a large number of young adults say they feel lonely and confused. Here are fourteen useful hacks to make everyday life just a little bit easier. 1. Take your date somewhere exciting […]

Life is hard. Relationships, work, and adulthood in general, present constant challenges. We are more connected and more social than ever before, yet a large number of young adults say they feel lonely and confused.

Here are fourteen useful hacks to make everyday life just a little bit easier.

1. Take your date somewhere exciting

If you cannot afford a trip to Paris with a romantic night at the Louvre, take her to the local theme park, where you can ride a roller coaster or drive around like crazy in one of those bumper cars.

If you want to try something more challenging, you can go skydiving or bungee jumping. The adrenaline rush will mimic the thrill of falling in love, and she will associate that feeling with you.

2. Repeat someone’s name in conversation

I am terrible with names. If I meet someone for the first time, I almost never remember his or her name the first time I hear it. I remember that in high school I even forgot the name of my then girlfriend, no joke!

We had just started dating and I was about to introduce her her to two of my best friends, but then I blocked off and forgot her name!! Luckily, she eventually introduced herself and we all laughed the incident off.

So, if you are like me, you can repeat the person’s name the first time you hear it. That way, you’ll be less likely to forget it.

3. If someone is angry with you, stay outwardly calm.

Either they will alter their tone and demeanor to match yours, or they will explode and then feel silly for overreacting. Either way, your choice to maintain your composure will put you in control of the confrontation.

I, personally, try not to give in to fits of anger, but to say that I always manage to do it will not be quite true. Yet, the more you try, the better you will get at controlling your emotions.

5. When you meet someone for the first time, try to notice their eye color.

This requires initial eye contact that will come across as intense but not intimidating. Thus, the other person will instantly feel more connected to you. In addition, in this way you are more likely to remember his or her name when your hear it.

6. If you need someone to do you a small favor, ask for a big one first.

This has to do with our natural tendency to choose the lesser of two evils. My personal experience shows that before you ask someone for a favor, you should first weigh the chances of him or her doing that for you. A dead horse needs no flogging, right?

7. Want to know if someone likes you? Wait for a joke.

When people laugh in a group, they instinctively turn towards the person they feel the strongest connection to.

Suppose you were in a company where you fell for a girl and wanted to check out if she was feeling the same. If I were you, I’d crack a not particularly funny joke and wait for her reaction. If she laughed then things would probably turn in your favor.

8. If you work with difficult people, put a mirror in your office.

We are more conscious of our bad behavior when we can see ourselves doing it. Chances are that when your colleagues see what they look like while giving you a hard time, they’ll get immediately discouraged from going on with it.

9. Eye contact instead of follow-up questions

If someone does not answer a question to your satisfaction and you’d like to know more, do not follow up with more questions. Instead, maintain eye contact and stay silent. They will likely offer more information on their own just to break the awkward silence that has fallen.

10. Prepare mentally for an important event

Before an interview or a first date, imagine you and the recruiter/romantic prospect have been friends for years. Your comfort will read as confidence and security, and you will most probably land the job you’ve always landed, or start a relationship with your romantic interest.

If you want to make a breakthrough at the negotiations’ table, try to match your partners’ gestures and body language. This will create an invisible bond between you and you’ll wind their trust in an instant.

12. Want to know if the person you’re talking to is following the conversation? Check out their feet.

When you’re not sure if somebody wants to get out of a conversation you are having, check out their feet. If they are pointed towards you, they are engaged. If not, they are waiting for your communication to end. This can save you quite a few awkward moments, especially if you are having a conversation with a girl you’ve just men in the bar or in the club.

The concept of consciousness: a truly absorbing idea. For decades we have assumed that conscious processes operated by the brain existed on levels inaccessible to the subconscious – and vice versa. New studies, however, have shown that the very definition of consciousness as we know it may be challenged. Consciousness, as it turns out, may […]

The concept of consciousness: a truly absorbing idea. For decades we have assumed that conscious processes operated by the brain existed on levels inaccessible to the subconscious – and vice versa. New studies, however, have shown that the very definition of consciousness as we know it may be challenged. Consciousness, as it turns out, may only be a kind of front for subconsciousness.Buy an “Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt!

Our conscious awareness fluctuates all the time, but we assumed with a fair level of certainty that it was fairly separate from our subconscious. This was due to studies which demonstrated levels of conscious thought using the time-tested Reflexive Imagery Task, which gives participants objects and tells them not to think of the names of those objects. This is like asking a dieter not to think about chocolate: what you’re told not to do, you’re more likely to do. The Reflexive Imagery Task is always applied to automatic tasks like word-object association; it has been assumed, therefore, that more complex thinking cannot occur on a subconscious level, and more complex processes such as calculation must happen consciously.

A recent study has flipped this idea on its head. The study asked participants to learn how to perform a simple mental task called Pig Latin. Pig Latin is a language game many American kids learn wherein you take the first letter or syllable of a word, move it to the end of the word and follow it with “ay”. So the word “cow”, for example, becomes “ow-cay”. Participants in the study were taught Pig Latin. Then they were shown a series of words and told not to rearrange the letters consciously into Pig Latin. If the prevailing assumptions were true, they should have followed the instructions with ease.Can 10 Minutes of Eye Contact Really Alter Your Consciousness? Science says It Can.

The participants were told, however, to press a button if they noticed that they were rearranging the letters automatically. Doing so would suggest that this process was being activated by the subconscious. And 43% of participants rearranged the words without thinking about it.

Lead researcher Ezekiel Morsella, a pioneer in this new theory, stated that “our study reveals that unintentional, unconscious processes can be more sophisticated than what has been thought before.” As it turns out, our conscious minds might just be the window through which our subconscious processes function, and therefore considerably less active than we previously thought.

We are entering the most sociable time of year with lots of potential parties on the horizon. If you are on the look out for a possible love interest, this is the best time of year for it. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to strut their stuff, and put on their best game faces for the objects of their desires. Yes, ’tis the season to be […]

We are entering the most sociable time of year with lots of potential parties on the horizon. If you are on the look out for a possible love interest, this is the best time of year for it. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to strut their stuff, and put on their best game faces for the objects of their desires. Yes, ’tis the season to be merry and it’s time to get flirting.Buy an “Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt!

The number one tip to successful flirting at parties, is to turn up. It’s quite simple, just make the effort to say ‘yes’ to as many invites as you possibly can. You never know who might be there and you have to be in it to win it. Besides it’s always good to spend time with new people.

So you’ve turned up, what next?

Here is a basic list of tried and tested tips to successful festive flirting to make your seasons even more joyful:

1- General Personal Appearance. (GPA)

Make an effort to groom yourself, wash well, trim that mane and shake out those best outfits. It is all about good appearance, confidence and having a positive attitude. There is nothing more appealing than having a well dressed and happy, confident person to hang out with, it will draw people to you as they wow at your wondrous charm.

Keep your body language smooth and open when flirting. Don’t tense up and cross your arms or hunch over like you’re enduring a blast of cold air. Lean toward the person you’re flirting with and imitate their body language in a subtle way.

2- Opening lines.

Say ‘hello’, there is no point in standing in the corner just waiting for people to approach you. People intrinsically want to connect, it’s human nature. Just smile and say hello, if it’s an already established group merrily conversing away, you can say ‘hello’ and stay nearby and quietly join in when appropriate, soon enough you will be included. It takes courage, but after the ‘hello’ hurdle, you’ve broken the ice and things should flow easily from there.

3- Have fun.

Be playful. There is nothing more attractive than lighthearted people having fun. Life is often hard and dull, so when people go out they want to have fun! Don’t go crazy though, this is not your own little floor show and over the top antics could have a detrimental affect. Also never joke at someone else’s expense, everyone is there to have fun, not be made fun of, there is nothing more distasteful than a bully, in any situation.

4- Use props.

Yes seriously, find a prop, or an accessory that will create a conversation or help draw people to you. I once was at a party where a guy had an old fashioned massive dialling phone instead of his mobile, he was dripping in women all night! It could be a hat or a feather boa or an invisible dog on a lead, who cares, take something to stimulate conversation and connections. I do not advise taking live animals, sex toys or firearms though. (I did however once get left with a sack full of live pythons at a beach party in Mexico, I had to look after them all night whilst their owner lay motionless passed out till morning, not fair on the snakes or on me.)
Read: I Want a Worthwhile Relationship, Not a Perfect One

5- Move closer.

If you are stuck in the corner or in a gaggle of noisy people, there is no way for the object of your admiration to know you are interested or even be able to reach you if the feeling is mutual. Proximity opens up conversation and opportunities, for dancing, for chatting and above all for direct contact and connection. Playful touches are a low-key way to flirt without being overtly sexual. A playful punch or poke, messing up his hair, or playing with her jewelry are fun ways to get close without going overboard.

6- Listen, and don’t talk too much.

Well, you can. But you should mainly be listening. When you ask someone questions, they open up and share something with you. It makes them like you more because they’ve invested in you. In return they should ask you questions and you will have the opportunity to talk too, if they do ALL the talking, I would be wary.

The key is to show interest by asking questions and listening. It’s flattering to have someone show a genuine interest in your opinions, likes, dislikes, and experiences. You also get to know this person and you can figure out if its someone you really want to get to know more, after all, the choice is yours.
Read: Research has Shown: Facebook Could be Ruining Your Relationship

7- Make Eye Contact.

This is a really tough one for some people, especially if you are a little shy. But it is important, after all the eyes are the windows to the soul. Separated by distance and noise across a crowded room, that is all that you might have to work with, (unless you have a bag of snakes you can throw at them!).

Take your time when you walk into a party, pause, look around the room. Not only does this give you a chance to see who’s there, but you also get to see who’s checking you out. Eye contact is essential when flirting. But don’t overdo it—some people are not comfortable maintaining eye contact for long periods of time. Just use it for long enough to let the person know they’ve got your attention.

8- Give Compliments.

Everyone loves to get compliments, and compliments are a great way to flirt. Only give compliments that are genuine, and don’t get too personal. Hopefully you will receive some in return too which is always wonderful to help lift your spirits. What a nice way it is to make someone smile by telling them how beautiful they are, it will leave them coming back for more. Don’t flirt with someone you are not really interested in dating. It’s not fair to lead someone on, only to inevitably dash their hopes later.

9- Smile, it is contagious,

It really is and it’s scientifically proven to be great for raising the serotonin levels inside of you as well. Smiling is the most powerful flirting tool available. Everyone loves to see a pleasant, happy face, and a smile sends all the right messages.

Clues that someone is flirting with you back include: increased eye contact, preening behavior such as straightening their clothes or touching their hair, singling you out for conversation, standing or sitting close to you, or touching you.

Go slowly when flirting and watch to see if the other person seems interested in you. Watch their body language and see if they send signals that they are interested. If they do, consider moving things to the next level by asking them out on a date.
Read: The ONE Thing You Can Do That Will Strengthen any Relationship

So enjoy yourselves, have fun, be kind and considerate and let there be dancing, let there be laughter and most of all let there be love.

An overwhelming number of people these days say that they are unhappy in their marriages and relationships. According to one survey, 6 out of 10 people asked if they were happy in their relationship said “no”. Just like with anything else in life, when traditional norms break down, something new takes their place. In the […]

Just like with anything else in life, when traditional norms break down, something new takes their place. In the instance of relationship, the new emerging trend is the Conscious Relationship, and in my opinion, they are an amazing thing to strive for.

“Working” on the Relationship

Too often, because traditional relationships are designed for personal gratification, the focus is “working” on keeping the relationship going. The “work” that has to be done is usually a matter of one of the partners in the relationship changing to appease the other.

Over time, we lose a sense of who we are because of who we have had to become to maintain the relationship. So you make all of these changes to keep the relationship going, only to find that once you’ve established the relationship, you’ve become a completely different person in the process – someone you might not want to be.

Emphasis on Comfort

In traditional relationships, we worry so much about pleasing our partner that we tend to stifle ourselves. This includes everything from life dreams to sexual fantasies. We feel like we cannot express our feelings, desires, and aspirations to our partner for fear of judgement. The same can be said about expressing our pasts, fears, and apprehensions. We have all been hurt at some point, and we all have our hang-ups. The compromises that we often have to make to maintain a traditional relationship involve making compromises to ourselves.

Focusing on the Outcome

Traditional relationships tend to be all about moving the relationship in a perceived direction. There is a premium that is placed on getting to the proverbial “next level”. When you approach a relationship as if there is a destination in mind, what do you do when you get there? This is why marriages fail. People work to get to the point where they get married, and once they are there, there is nothing left to do.

Maintaining a “Conscious” Relationship?

In a conscious, relationship the focus is growth -physically, mentally, spiritually. You have to let go of your concept of a “comfort zone“. People think that a relationship is supposed to be all sunshine and sparkles so at the first sign of trouble, they automatically assume something is terribly wrong.

Growth is not an easy process, but when you have two people that are dedicated to it, it becomes a team effort instead of a constant struggle to figure out who you are. You have to let go of the belief that expressing who you are will put your relationships in danger for the fear of judgement from your partners. In a conscious relationship expression of who you are and what you want is the point.

In a conscious relationship love is not the final destination, it is the fuel for the journey.

As two people move forward together with the joint sense that they are doing so as two people looking to be 100% themselves, they will find love in ways they never knew they could.

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There you are: sitting in traffic – a line of cars marching like ants, heading off to your mundane job in your boring office. In those quiet moments of reflection some people think, “gee, I wish I could quit my job, and just run off to the country and be free.” That is exactly what […]

There you are: sitting in traffic – a line of cars marching like ants, heading off to your mundane job in your boring office. In those quiet moments of reflection some people think, “gee, I wish I could quit my job, and just run off to the country and be free.” That is exactly what Foster Huntington did.Buy an “Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt!
Foster was working for Ralph Lauren in New Youk, and in 2011 he decided to up and leave New York and moved to his family’s land in Washington State’s Columbia Gorge. Foster then recruited some friends (which he paid) and together they built Foster’s dream house:
His home, which he calls “The Cinder Cone”, actually consists of multiple treehouses, a hot tub, and a skate bowl – because what “bro-topia” would be complete without a skate bowl? In addition to completely uprooting himself, Foster began a new career as a freelance photographer. In an interview with the New York Times he said, “I remember looking at photos of bush pilots and thinking: ‘I can take photos. I don’t want to live my life in the city. I want to go do something else.’” The Cinder Cone is not only his home now but also provides a unique backdrop for his work.
Read: Want to live in a Hobbit House? This guy from UK built one for £3000
Taking the leap to move off of the grid, and live a life free of the day-to-day hassles of city life seems like an impossibility for some people. Foster Huntington is proof that: if you can dream it, you can do it. Foster has a Kickstarter page for The Cinder Cone Build Book, which will feature the entire project of building The Cinder Cone in detail. Check out the video below for more information.

The Grey Matter of the Hippocampus part of the brain is best known for its association with learning skills and memory capabilities, but it is also known for its connection to self-awareness, compassion and introspection. Basic activities done regularly in only a few weeks of time can increase your IQ and help you to feel […]

The Grey Matter of the Hippocampus part of the brain is best known for its association with learning skills and memory capabilities, but it is also known for its connection to self-awareness, compassion and introspection.

Basic activities done regularly in only a few weeks of time can increase your IQ and help you to feel more psychologically and physically at peace.
The discovery of neuroplasticity, the brain can change and reorganize itself, is revolutionizing the treatment of stroke patients, chronic pain sufferers, those with neurological disorders and by helping to ward off cognitive decline due to age-related issues.

Whether you are looking to increase your brain functioning or preserve your cognitive abilities, here are some activities to consider adding to your weekly routine to increase grey matter:

1) Embrace the Idea that the Brain Can Grow

– This might seem like a silly suggestion, but it needs to be said. Children and young adults have the ability to learn skills faster and this often keeps adults from attempting more difficult feats. You are capable of learning a new language or learning to play an instrument in your older age. You are capable of evolving your behavioral habits. It begins with changing your mindset.

3) Play Brain Games

– Puzzles and Memory Games like Sudoku or other brain games will activate the mind by forcing us in a focused conscious state. This is the best way to increase grey matter via games.

4) Play Video Games

– A recent study at University of Rochester, U.S., confirmed a link between 1st person video games and expanded visual awareness in the real world – a building block for the IQ. The ability to take in visual cues with speed and accuracy is invaluable.

5) Cardiovascular Exercise

– Cardiovascular fitness is associated with increased cognitive scores and increased verbal intelligence by 50% according to a study done in Sweden. In contrast, muscle exercise was only weakly associated with intelligence.

6) Proper Nutrition

– Food feeds the brain and a lack of the right food & nutrition will lead to lower energy levels which in turn lowers brain activity and eventually mental disorders. Vitamins B12, B6 and folic acid is needed for cognitive development. DHA/EPA is required for normal brain health and a lack of can lead to depression. Vitamin C increases mental agility. Vitamin K increases cognitive functioning. Berries containing anthocyanins increase short term memory. Zinc plays an important role in spatial learning and memory.

7) Learn a New Skill

– Learning a new skill strengthens connections within the brain and it has the ability to get your mind out of a long time rut. The difficulty of the task is in close to relation to how much the brain will activate.

8) Use Your Imagination

– Using your imagination is the same as using your visionary skills. Manifesting something positive into your life requires a lot of brain activity. Constantly using your visionary skills contributes to increased creativity, increased problem solving and idea generation.

9) Relinquish a Bad Habits

– Forcing yourself to change a habit, whether it is smoking cigarettes or holding on too tightly to grudges, will help the brain to break down strong negative neural connections while making room for healthy new connections that benefit your brain growth. Weakening unhealthy brain connections is just as important as forming new healthy ones.
Related: Talking to Yourself can Improve Your Brain